Rox: Martini’s Favorite Things

Grey Thursday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have all come and gone, so we haven’t got time to waste. Listed are a few items that caught my attention this year and I think you will appreciate them too. For your consideration, my 2013 Favorite Things:

Mo’ Meta Blues: The World According to QuestLove

Author: Ahmir Questlove Thompson

($26)

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He is the drummer for Hip-Hops legendary band The Roots and the band leader for “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” which leaves no questions about Questlove’s relevance and talent. This book brings you stories about the music the way he sees it as a producer, DJ, and continuous contributor in the music industry. The perfect read for any Hip-Hop head providing insights about his music, life growing up in Philly and his journey in the music industry.

How to Rap 2: Advance Flow and Delivery Techniques

Author: Paul Edwards

($12.99)

30 years into the Hip-Hop Era and by now, everyone knows someone who raps. Whether they are good or bad, a little help never hurt anyone when it comes to rhyming. Like its predecessor, (How to Rap: The Art and Science of The Hip-Hop MC – $12.95)

it is a worthy and valuable read with interviews and advice from some of the genre’s greats. I would go as far as to suggest you buy both for your budding lyrical genius because the first book has great tips from artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Clipse, Public Enemy and a forward by the legendary Kool G Rap. In the second book, the author concentrates on perfecting and refining aspiring rappers’ flow by examining techniques from different regions.

These are sure to make the guy in your life smile. Cool socks are custom Nike Dri fit socks featuring the faces of Hip Hop artists and movie icons. Well-known faces featured are Aaliyah, Drake, Nino Brown (New Jack City), The Notorious B.I.G. and more. Get your man a pair and all he will hear is “Cool Socks!” whenever he dons his pair.

Pokket Mixer

($100)

It is more than a cool conversation piece; it is a pocket-sized mobile DJ mixer. This item is also available in 6 assorted colors. It doesn’t need a power supply, and it works with any device with a headset output. Pull this party out of your pocket while hanging with a group of friends, and you will be greatly appreciated.

V-Tech KiddiJamz Studio

($59.99)

Voted and rated one of the best toy picks this year, KiddiJamz is not your average toy instrument. V-Tech allows kids the opportunity to branch out from the basic analog instruments to digital production they hear used in music every day. It includes a microphone, digital vocal effects, a DJ scratching disc and a light-up keyboard. It also allows kids to record and playback their own original songs. If your kid is showing musical promise or loves to mess around in your expensive home studio, why not get them their own?

FitBit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband

($100)

Around town there is a boom in the gym industry, and this is the perfect gift for the health motivated. Stylish and comfortable this top-rated choice in gifts has huge upgrades from the basic FitBit ($29.99). Sync online or with selected fitness apps using Android or iPhone and track your goals and progress throughout the day. The sleep- tracker can assess how long and how well you sleep. Wear it to bed and there is a gentle alarm that vibrates and wakes you and not your partner. Bonus: You can wear it in the shower.